By Grant Bevins on September 30, 2025
Amanda Pollard, founder of Accelerate Field Hockey Club, has taken her lifelong passion for field hockey and transformed it into an empowering program for young athletes in the greater Rochester area. From her early days as a standout player in Massachusetts to earning two degrees focused on sport coaching, Amanda has dedicated her life to elevating the sport she loves. “Field hockey is my absolute passion,” she shares. “It’s my favorite thing to do.”
Amanda noticed a lack of field hockey opportunities when she moved from Massachusetts to Rochester in 2020. Recognizing the need, she launched Accelerate Field Hockey Club in the summer of 2025. The club provides elite training, clinics, private lessons, and tournament opportunities for girls aged 7 to 19. Amanda explains, “A lot of clubs in the area focus on local tournaments. I wanted to open up more doors, including out-of-state competitions, so girls can truly get noticed.”
The club operates year-round, shifting its age groups seasonally to accommodate high school schedules. With access to both indoor and outdoor facilities, Accelerate remains active regardless of New York’s chilly winters. Amanda also keeps the club accessible through flexible pricing, sibling discounts, and payment plans. “I try to be an affordable option because club sports can be expensive,” she says. “Even if someone can only come once a week, I work with them.”
What truly sets Accelerate apart is Amanda’s experience coaching at the collegiate level and her commitment to preparing athletes for college play. “I wasn’t prepared for college when I went,” Amanda reflects. “I want to make sure these girls are.”
Amanda not only trains athletes on the field, but also guides them in outreach and communication with college coaches. Through her work with USA Field Hockey’s Nexus program and years of coaching experience, she has built strong connections that she now uses to help her athletes get recruited.
Amanda believes in creating more than just great athletes—she fosters well-rounded individuals. At the end of each season, Amanda encourages her athletes to give back to the community. One recent project had the team collecting toys and writing notes for a local dog shelter. “The girls came up with the idea themselves, and that makes it even more special,” she says.
While Amanda will always carry a love for her Massachusetts roots, she’s found a new home in Rochester. “There’s something to do every weekend, from festivals to community groups,” she says. “I joined a girls’ walking group with over a thousand members. It’s been a great place to build friendships and grow.”
Despite being a newly established business, Accelerate Field Hockey Club is already showing strong signs of growth. “I set a goal for how many girls I wanted to join in our first season, and I hit it,” Amanda says proudly. She continues to play in adult leagues and stay active in the sport she loves.
With Amanda’s passion, experience, and vision, Accelerate Field Hockey Club is becoming a cornerstone for young athletes in Rochester. It’s more than just a club—it’s a community.
Website: acceleratefieldhockeyclub.com
Instagram: Accelerate Field Hockey Club
Facebook: Accelerate Field Hockey Club
Email: AcceleratefhC@gmail.com
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